Kiribati: Economy

For a third consecutive year, high fishing license revenues have spurred economic growth and improved fiscal balances in Kiribati and other small Pacific island economies. Externally funded infrastructure projects have contributed to higher growth. Inflation has risen with currency depreciation. With higher revenues, these economies have approved expansionary budgets for 2015. Access to finance remains a key challenge.

Selected Economic Indicators (%) - Kiribati

2015

2016

GDP Growth

1.5

1.5

Inflation

1.0

1.5

Current Account Balance (share of GDP)

-53.0

-48.4

Source: ADB estimates.

Economic performance

In 2014, the Kiribati economy grew by 3.0%. Growth was sustained by construction projects funded by development partners and continuing high revenue from fishing license fees. As a party to the Nauru Agreement, Kiribati has benefitted from rising rates under the vessel day scheme.

Revenues from fishing licenses outperformed budget expectations for the third year running as they soared by 34% in Kiribati. Revenue collections have been boosted as well by improved tax collection.

Economic prospects

Growth is expected to slow in Kiribati. Tropical Cyclone Pam caused tidal surges that damaged infrastructure and private property in mid-March. The Betio-Tarawa causeway - a key transport link - was extensively damaged. Growth in Kiribati’s economy is projected to halve to 1.5% in both 2015 and 2016 as projects funded by development partners are completed.

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